They both start to talk and I step back, counting down the minutes until Victoria is back at the club and I’m free of babysitting duties.
On the way out, I tell her, “She isn’t a new friend. She just sat by me because it was the only table available.”
“You knew her name,” she smirks.
“She introduced herself. It’s not like I have the memory span of a goldfish.”
Victoria laughs and I open the truck door for her. She settles the baby into the car seat and jumps into the passenger seat.
“She was really pretty, wasn’t she?”
This is going to be a long drive. I sigh. “I didn’t notice.”
Her laughter returns. “Someone’s a liar. She was stunning.”
“You know I don’t just fall in love with every woman I speak to, yeah?”
“Each one could be that one, though.”
“Could be, but I’m not looking.”
I return to counting down the minutes till I’m free of her snooping. Not everyone wants to settle down. I’m content to stay single.
Traffic is light and we make good time pulling up to the clubhouse. I help Victoria take her bag and the baby inside. As soon as I’m free and my mom calls.
“Hey, tell me you’ve got an update.”
“I do.” I can hear the smugness in her tone. “I have a date with the old guy.”
I’m impressed, even for her, this is quick work. Getting my mom to do the work to soften the old guy has to be my best idea yet.
“How did you swing it?”
“Knocked on his door, made out I had broken down outside his gates. He took one look and he was putty in my hands. He offered to take me out to dinner to cheer me up.”
“Remember, you don’t mention anything about me in the club, or the club at all.”
“Believe it or not, Ko, I don’t go around talking about the fucking Lost Souls every day of my life.”
“I hear ya. Do what you do and make sure he falls in love with you, and do it fast.”
“I’ll check in when I can.”
“Soon,” I warn.
The call ends and before I can put my phone away, Adriana is calling. Answering, I put the phone back to my ear.
“What’s up?”
“Hey, I’ve been around your mom’s every day this week and she’s not been home. I’m starting to get worried.”
“She’s fine, she’s met someone. You know how she gets when a new guy is on the scene.”
Her sigh rattles me. “Great, that’s all we need.”
“Ads, I’ve told you already. She ain’t your problem anymore. You’re free of her.”
“Kel…”
